We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erika Cobbs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erika below.

Erika, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

I believe it’s absolutely okay to ask friends and family to support your business—if what you’re offering is truly beneficial to them. If your product or service can genuinely improve their lives, then you’re simply offering value rather than just seeking support for the sake of it. However, just asking them to support you because it’s your business isn’t enough. The relationship should be mutually beneficial, not built on obligation.

That said, I draw the line when it comes to mixing business with personal relationships. No matter how close we are, it’s still business. There should be a clear understanding that the business relationship follows professional guidelines, expectations, and boundaries. This approach protects both the business and the personal connection.

One story that shaped this belief was when I first started my business. I had a family member who wanted to help out but didn’t necessarily need my services. It led to awkward conversations when they didn’t follow through on certain things, and it strained our relationship. That experience taught me to separate business needs from personal connections and only involve friends or family if they truly have something to gain from my services.

Erika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Erika Cobbs, and I am the owner of Easy Solutions Concierge, a virtual assistant agency that helps both business owners and consumers reclaim their time.

I started this business because I found myself constantly being the go-to person for tasks like booking trips, managing schedules, clearing out emails, and making reservations. It dawned on me that the service I was providing informally could greatly benefit not only business owners but also everyday people who find themselves juggling a thousand tasks.

Whether it’s the busy mom or dad trying to manage work and family life, the spouse planning a surprise getaway, or the entrepreneur who can’t afford to spend time on administrative tasks, I realized there’s a genuine need for someone to step in and help them reclaim their time. My goal is to take those tasks off their plate, so they can focus on what matters most to them.

What sets Easy Solutions Concierge apart is our deep understanding of the demands our clients face. I live by a strict schedule myself, and that discipline is at the heart of how we run our business. Without structure, things can easily fall apart. That’s why we take pride in helping others bring order to their lives.

I’m most proud of the personal touch we bring to each client. We aren’t just about checking off tasks—we’re about truly lightening the load, bringing peace of mind, and making life a bit easier. Whether it’s through administrative services, credit repair, or tax assistance, we ensure our clients feel supported, valued, and empowered.

At the end of the day, what I want people to know about me and Easy Solutions Concierge is that we are here to make their lives easier. We understand that time is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to helping you get the most out of it.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to unlearn is the habit of saying “yes” all the time and not respecting my own boundaries. Early on, I felt like I needed to be available 24/7 to make sure my clients knew I was committed to them. There were instances where clients would reach out after hours, using my personal number, and I would always answer, fearing I might lose them if I didn’t respond immediately.

However, I quickly realized that this was unsustainable. I was sacrificing my own peace of mind and personal time, which started to affect not only my well-being but also my ability to serve my clients effectively. I learned that professional boundaries must always be maintained, not just for my own sake, but for the quality of service I provide. When I set clear boundaries, I became more focused, efficient, and was able to create a better work-life balance—while still delivering excellent service to my clients.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of networking and always selling myself and my services. Networking is key because it allows me to build genuine relationships with people, not just potential clients. By connecting with others in different industries, I’ve been able to gain referrals, collaborate with complementary businesses, and grow my reputation through word of mouth.

At the same time, I make it a point to always be ready to talk about what I do. Whether it’s at a formal networking event or a casual conversation, I treat every interaction as an opportunity to showcase how Easy Solutions Concierge can provide value. People may not need my services immediately, but staying top of mind by confidently sharing how I help businesses and individuals reclaim their time has led to steady growth in clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.easysolutionspc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easysolutions2019/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/easysolutionspc2019/

Image Credits

Cam’s Photography LLC
Mr. Martin Photos